Vatican City: Pope Leo on Monday offered a strong condemnation of antisemitic violence while remembering the victims of the recent terror attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia. Speaking during an audience with delegations that donated this year’s Vatican Christmas Tree and Nativity scenes, the Pope called for an end to hatred and appealed for prayers for all those suffering because of war and violence.
Referring specifically to Sunday’s deadly attack in Sydney, the Holy Father entrusted the victims to God’s mercy and issued a clear moral appeal. “Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence,” Pope Leo said, urging people everywhere to uproot hatred from their hearts and recommit themselves to peace and fraternity.
Addressing those gathered, the Pope described Nativity scenes and Christmas trees as powerful symbols of Christian faith and hope. He invited the faithful, as they contemplate these traditional signs of Christmas, to ask God to renew within humanity the gifts of peace, brotherhood and compassion, especially in a world scarred by conflict and terror.
Reflecting on the Nativity scene installed in St Peter’s Square, donated by the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno near Naples, Pope Leo said it offers a profound reminder that God draws close to humanity. By entering history as a vulnerable child, he noted, God reveals a mystery of humility and love that invites believers to rediscover themselves and deepen their communion with Him. The simplicity of the Bethlehem stable, the Pope said, continues to speak to the human heart across generations.
Turning to the Christmas tree standing beside the Nativity in the square, a 25-metre Norway spruce donated by the northern Italian region of Bolzano in South Tyrol, Pope Leo described it as a sign of life and unyielding hope. Even amid the cold and darkness of winter, he said, the evergreen tree points to hope that does not fade. The lights adorning it, he added, symbolize Christ as the light of the world, dispelling darkness and guiding humanity along the path of life.
The Pope also acknowledged that several other trees decorating Vatican spaces this Christmas have come from the same South Tyrol region, thanking the local communities for their generosity and contribution to the season’s celebrations.
During the audience, Pope Leo expressed special appreciation to representatives from Costa Rica for donating the Nativity scene displayed in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Created by a Costa Rican artist and titled Nacimiento Gaudium “Nativity of Joy” the artwork carries a strong pro-life message. Adorned with 28,000 ribbons, the scene symbolically represents lives saved from abortion through the prayerful and practical support of Catholic organizations assisting mothers in vulnerable situations.
The Holy Father thanked the artist and organizers for enriching the Christmas message of peace with a renewed call to protect human life from the moment of conception, describing the work as a powerful witness to the dignity of life.
In closing, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to Vatican employees for their dedication in preparing and decorating the Vatican during the Christmas season. He concluded with a spiritual invitation, encouraging everyone to let the tenderness of the Christ Child illuminate their lives and to allow God’s love like the branches of an evergreen tree to remain alive and vibrant within their hearts.